Pregnant Chicago Woman Faces Murder Charges After Killing Abusive Partner

Keshia Golden claims she acted in self-defense to protect herself and her unborn child.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single kitchen knife against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence in a case of domestic violence and self-defense.A single kitchen knife, the sole physical evidence in a tragic case of domestic violence, illuminates the complex dynamics of self-defense and the legal system's response.Chicago Today

In 2022, Keshia Golden, a pregnant woman in Chicago, allegedly stabbed and killed the father of her unborn child, Calvin Sidney, during a fight over using the microwave. Golden's lawyer claims she reached for a knife to protect herself and her baby from Sidney's abusive behavior, which included previous incidents of physical violence. Prosecutors have offered Golden a plea deal, but she has turned it down, arguing that she was defending herself from an abuser and should not face first-degree murder charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex dynamics of domestic violence and the challenges victims face when trying to protect themselves. It raises questions about how the legal system handles cases where victims resort to violence in self-defense, especially when they are pregnant and facing threats to their own lives and the lives of their unborn children.

The details

According to reports, in 2022, Golden and Sidney were arguing over using a microwave in their Chicago home when the situation escalated. Golden allegedly knocked a plate of food out of Sidney's hands, and he responded by pushing her into a counter. Golden then went into the bedroom, grabbed a knife, and stabbed Sidney in the femoral artery, causing him to bleed to death. Golden's lawyer claims she acted in self-defense to protect herself and her unborn child from Sidney's abusive behavior, which included previous incidents of physical violence, such as choking, slapping, pushing, and punching.

  • In 2022, Golden and Sidney were involved in a fight over using a microwave in their Chicago home.
  • Golden's baby shower took place just hours before the fatal incident.
  • Golden's trial is set to begin over the summer of 2026.

The players

Keshia Golden

A pregnant woman in Chicago who is facing first-degree murder charges for killing the father of her unborn child, Calvin Sidney, in 2022.

Calvin Sidney

The father of Keshia Golden's unborn child, who was killed by Golden in 2022 during a fight over using a microwave in their Chicago home.

Julie Koehler

Keshia Golden's lawyer, who claims she acted in self-defense to protect herself and her unborn child from Sidney's abusive behavior.

Sierra Bartlett

An attorney from the Cook County Public Defender's Office, who argues that Golden has proven to be an upstanding citizen and does not deserve to face first-degree murder charges.

Eileen O'Neill Burke

The Cook County state's attorney, who has offered Golden a plea deal for second-degree murder with no additional time served, which Golden has turned down.

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What they’re saying

“She reached for a knife to protect herself from her abuser, who was trying to kill her and her unborn child.”

— Julie Koehler, Keshia Golden's lawyer

“He choked her while she was 18 weeks pregnant. So there's lots of documentation, and I wish there had been more intervention at those earlier stages.”

— Sierra Bartlett, Attorney, Cook County Public Defender's Office

What’s next

Golden's trial is set to begin over the summer of 2026, where the court will determine if she acted in self-defense or if she should face first-degree murder charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges victims of domestic violence face when trying to protect themselves, especially when they are pregnant. It raises questions about how the legal system should handle cases where victims resort to violence in self-defense, and whether more intervention and support should be available for victims of abuse.